Bridal Party 101
So, you're engaged?! Congratulations! 🎉 Now comes one of the first big decisions in wedding planning: choosing your bridal party. Who do you ask? What do they actually do? How do you keep them on the same page without overwhelming them?
This guide will cover everything you need to know, from picking the right people to managing expectations and making sure everyone looks amazing on the big day.
Have an easier time listening to video? Check out my Bridal Party 101 video here: https://youtu.be/vyskQc_hGNE?si=9oo0GS2f-bVcWfV-
1. Who to Ask: Choosing Your Bridal Party
There are three main things to consider when choosing your wedding party:
✅ Emotional Support
These are the people who will celebrate with you, support you, and keep you sane through the highs and lows of wedding planning.
✅ Reliability & Commitment
Can they attend key events? Will they follow through on what they promise? Weddings require commitment, and you want people who are all in.
✅ Finances & Time Commitment
Being in a wedding can be expensive. Consider if your chosen people can comfortably afford attire, travel, and pre-wedding events before extending the invite.
Other factors to consider:
Size of Your Wedding Party – Do you want a large, hyped-up group or a smaller, more relaxed crew?
Your Partner’s Input – Make sure you and your fiancé are on the same page about numbers and potential choices.
Honoring Close Friends in Other Ways – If you can’t include everyone, consider alternative roles like a reader, usher, or personal attendant.
2. Traditional Bridal Party Roles & Responsibilities
Although you do not have to stick with tradition, it helps knowing what they are typically responsible for!
💍 Maid/Matron of Honor (MOH)
Helps with wedding planning decisions
Plans the bridal shower and bachelorette party
Assists with dress shopping and fittings
Keeps the bride calm and organized on the wedding day
Gives a speech at the reception
🎩 Best Man
Supports the groom with wedding prep
Plans the bachelor party
Holds the rings during the ceremony
Gives a speech at the reception
👰 Bridesmaids & 🤵 Groomsmen
Attend pre-wedding events (engagement party, showers, bachelor/ette party)
Help with small planning tasks if needed
Assist guests and keep the day running smoothly
Stand by your side during the ceremony
🌸 Flower Girl & 💍 Ring Bearer (optional)
Typically younger relatives or close family friends
Walk down the aisle before the bride
3. How to Ask Your Bridal Party
Make it special! Some fun ways to pop the question to your wedding party:
Personalized Proposal Boxes – A gift box with a handwritten note, mini champagne, and a small keepsake
Handwritten Letters – A heartfelt note explaining why they’re special to you
Fun Group Event – A brunch or dinner where you ask everyone at once
Customized Gifts – Jewelry, robes, or engraved flasks with a proposal note
A Simple, Heartfelt Ask – Sometimes, a casual in-person or phone conversation is best!
💡 Be clear about expectations! Let them know upfront about time, travel, and financial commitments so they can make an informed decision. And remember, not everyone will be able to say yes - and that’s okay!
4. Tips for Communicating with Your Wedding Party
📱 Create a Group Chat
One for bridesmaids, one for groomsmen, and one for everyone combined. Keep everyone in the loop without bombarding them with daily texts.
📆 Provide a Timeline
List key dates like dress shopping, fittings, and pre-wedding events in one place.
🙏 Ask, Don’t Demand
Everyone has different schedules and budgets, so be flexible.
🛠 Assign Specific Tasks
Delegate tasks based on strengths (e.g., a crafty friend helps with DIY, an organized one keeps track of RSVPs).
Here's a little Year-Out Timeline example.
If you want to make an actual timeline to share, use our free template here!
12 Months Before
🎉 Celebrate the engagement!
📅 Save the wedding date.
👗 Begin discussing attire expectations (colors, formality, etc.).
8-10 Months Before
👕 Get fitted for attire (dress/suit/tux).
🎟️ Start planning the bachelorette/bachelor party with the Maid of Honor/Best Man.
6-8 Months Before
🛍️ Order wedding attire to allow time for alterations.
✈️ Arrange travel/accommodations if needed.
🎁 Discuss group gifts or special plans for the couple.
4-5 Months Before
💃 Attend pre-wedding events (bridal shower, engagement party, etc.).
🥂 Finalize plans for the bachelorette/bachelor party.
2-3 Months Before
🎭 Attend dress/suit fittings.
🎤 Prepare a speech (if giving one).
1 Month Before
🎁 Purchase wedding gift.
📋 Confirm wedding day schedule & responsibilities.
1-2 Weeks Before
✂️ Get final alterations done.
💈 Haircut/grooming appointment.
🎭 Practice walking in your shoes/outfit if necessary.
Wedding Week!
🧳 Pack wedding day essentials.
🚗 Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
🥳 Enjoy the big day—support the couple & celebrate!
5. Bridal Party Attire: What They’ll Need for the Wedding Day
👗 Bridesmaid Dresses
Before choosing dresses, consider:
Wedding Theme & Formality – Black-tie weddings call for floor-length gowns, while casual beach weddings allow for flowy dresses.
Color Palette & Aesthetic – Do you want a single color, an ombré effect, or mix-and-match styles?
Season & Weather – Light fabrics for summer, heavier ones for winter.
Comfort & Body Types – A-line and wrap dresses flatter most figures.
Shoes & Accessories – Provide guidance but allow for comfort.
💡 Pro tip: Get fabric swatches and compare them in different lighting before finalizing!
🤵 Suit & Tuxedo Considerations
Suit vs. Tuxedo – Tuxedos for black-tie, suits for semi-formal or casual.
Color Coordination – Match groomsmen attire with the bridesmaids' color scheme using ties, pocket squares, or boutonnieres.
Renting vs. Buying – Renting is cost-effective; buying allows for better fit and long-term use.
Where & When to Shop
Bridesmaid dresses: Order 4-6 months in advance.
Suit & tux rentals: Typically 3-4 months before the wedding.
My favorite options:
Bridesmaid dresses: Birdy Grey, Azazie
Suit rentals: Generation Tux
Suit purchases: Indochino
6. Wedding Day Tasks & Expectations
Your wedding party should:✔️ Arrive on time✔️ Bring necessary items✔️ Keep the mood light✔️ Assist the couple as needed✔️ Keep track of personal belongings✔️ Make sure the couple eats, drinks, and remains calm✔️ Be involved in photos and ceremony roles (holding rings, handing flowers, etc.)✔️ Help bustle the dress✔️ Participate in toasts and keep the dance floor lively
💡 Pro tip: Provide a detailed wedding party timeline at least a week before the wedding, including photo schedules, locations, and transportation details. (I even have a customizable template for this on Etsy for $8.99!) https://www.etsy.com/listing/1864968465/week-of-wedding-guide-template
🚨 What if There’s Drama?
You are allowed to “fire” a wedding party member if they are causing unnecessary stress. If someone isn’t fulfilling their role or is creating problems, it’s okay to have a conversation or even ask them to step down.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding party should enhance your experience, not add stress. Choose people who uplift you, communicate expectations early, and have fun celebrating with the people you love!
Happy Planning!
Lynea
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